Premier League: Manchester City crowned champions of England

Manchester City crowned English Premier League champions after Manchester United lost 2-1 to Leicester City on Tuesday. After the loss, Manchester City have an unassailable 10 point lead at the top of the league table with just three games remaining. Manchester City were made to wait for the title triumph after their 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Saturday and Manchester United’s win against Aston Villa on Sunday. But City finally got their hands on a third title in last four years. Pep Guardiola’s team had another dominating league triumph courtesy of a potent attack and a strong defence.

It was Pep Guardiola’s 10^th title since taking charge of Manchester City in 2016. It was their third Premier League title in last four years. Few weeks ago, they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup final to lift their fourth consecutive League Cup. The team owned by Sheikh Mansour will take on Chelsea in their maiden Champions League final on May 29. It is safe to say that the Spanish coach has successfully transformed City into a consistent title-winning squad.

Remarkable season

“This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other. This was the hardest one,” Guardiola said. “We will always remember this season for the way that we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players.

“They are so special. To come through this season – with all the restrictions and difficulties we’ve faced – and show the consistency we have is remarkable. It is relentless. Every single day, they are there, fighting for success, trying always to be better. They have been so, so resilient.”

Veteran Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, who has been a vital part of the team since joining them in 2013, is delighted to win the title. “I am so proud and so happy with what we have achieved,” said Fernandinho. “The Premier League is the hardest league in world football – every single game is tough. To win it again means the world to me and the rest of the squad.

He added: “We have missed the fans so much. We wanted to do this for them. We will enjoy this moment and we hope the fans do too. Rest assured we will continue to do everything we can to bring the Champions League home this season.”

Goal scoring midfield and a solid defence

Unlike previous seasons, City did not have a prolific goal scorer this season. Argentine striker Sergio Aguero was absent for large part of the season due to injuries. But that did not affect their results as the goals came from all parts of the field. Midfielder Ilkay Gundagon has been the top scorer for City with 12 goals in the season so far followed by Raheem Sterling(10) and Riyad Mahrez(9).

Kevin De Bruyne has been consistent as usual. The Belgian playmaker has been the top assist provider with 11 assists. The emergence of English youngster Phil Foden with 7 goals and 5 assists has proved to be vital. The arrival of Portuguese defender Ruben Dias from Benfica has been the biggest difference this season. The centre-back’s partnership with John Stones gave them more solidity and stability at the back, which was missing in the previous season.

Guardiola’s side has scored 72 goals and conceded just 26 in their 35 Premier League games so far in this exceptional campaign.